UK : PhD Studentships opportunities

Evaluation of novel metal complexes as catalytic antioxidants in the treatment of metabolic diseases

Robert Gordon University - Institute of Health & Welfare Research

PhD Studentships opportunities (Reference IHW)

Closing Date: 9^th November 2009

Applications are invited from candidates who are interested in applying to study for a PhD in the Institute of Health & Welfare Research at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. The Institute brings together interdisciplinary research within biomedical science, allied health care professions and social sciences. The PhD studentships are aligned with the strategic research themes of the institute; Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disease, Environmental & Occupational Health and Mental & Neurological Health. The following PhD project is available;

Evaluation of novel metal complexes as catalytic antioxidants in the treatment of metabolic diseases (REF IHW2)

The role of metal ions in biology and medicine is well recognised. In particular, Zinc, Selenium, Manganese, Iron and Copper ions have been implicated in many metabolic disease states. Recently Manganese, Zinc and Selenium metal complexes have been shown to exhibit good antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. In this project, novel metal complexes will be synthesised and their biological activity will be fully investigated. Due to the multidisciplinary feature of this project, the student will be exposed to organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, cell and molecular biology and biochemistry. Would suit candidate with background in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Pharmaceutical Science. For further details of the project please contact Dr Paul Kong (p.kong@rgu.ac.uk)

Application process

Candidates for the studentship must have a First Class, or a 2.1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) or a Masters Qualification in a relevant discipline. Relevant professional experience will also be considered. Each studentship provides full university fees for UK/EU applicants and a tax-free maintenance allowance of £13,290 per annum for 3 years. Additional support may be available to students who are not UK/EU residents and who would normally be required to pay the full postgraduate fee. The studentship is available to start in January/February 2010. Interviews will be held in the week beginning 20^th November 2009.

Applications including a completed application form (available from http://www.rgu.ac.uk/researchdegrees/applicants/page.cfm?pge=26828), a detailed CV, two academic references, plus other required documents should be either emailed to researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk or posted to;

Research Degrees Office, Robert Gordon University, Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1FR

Please quote the relevant IHW reference code and project title in section 8 of the application form. Application forms, CVs and other relevant documentation to support the application should arrive no later than Monday 9^th November 2009.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to potential supervisors identified in the supplementary project information, or to the IHW Graduate School Leader Dr Rachel M Knott on 01224 262524 or by email to r.knott@rgu.ac.uk.